The grant will be used to buy equipment that students will use for hands-on learning. The grant will also fund scholarships.

"The partnership between MCC Foundation and United Bank Foundation provides valuable support to the success not only of the college but also of our community," college President Gena Glickman said. "We are very pleased to accept this donation and know that it will change the lives of many students through the opportunity it provides."

Four state-of-the art milling and turning machines, one of which will be delivered each year over the four-year grant period, are the sort that are currently used on many manufacturing floors, college officials said.

MCC has become a hub for manufacturing education. Through a $15 million federal grant, the college serves as leader in the field with the state's 11 other community colleges, Charter Oak State College and the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.

"When you step foot on MCC's campus, you quickly experience why this has become such a wonderful education destination for so many students in this part of the state seeking a degree in higher education," said William H.W. Crawford, CEO of United Bank. "In particular, the college's vision to expand and enhance their manufacturing program, coupled with the demonstrated need and compelling reasons for additional support and resources in this area of study, made it an easy decision for our foundation to make this generous investment. "

Glickman said scholarships are an especially important element of the grant.

"Many students in MCC's manufacturing program don't qualify for financial aid, especially if they are recently unemployed and their past income is used to determine their eligibility," she said.